SEATTLE

            DEAF-BLIND

                     SERVICE CENTER

Video Communication and Communication Facialitor (CF) Programs:

DBSC is contracted with the State of Washington, Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing to provide CF services and video communication awareness for the Deaf-Blind community members.

• Communication Facialitor and Video communication awareness presentations
• Video communication information including Video Relay Service, Video Relay Interpreters, and direct calls & referral
• Training of using CF service
• Training of video equipment such as VP 200 and DB Link
• Video Relay Service, Point to Point (Direct calls), and CF communication
• CF Service upon your request at either DBSC, Lighthouse for the Blind, Southwest Washington Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Vancouver, and Southwest Eastern Washington Center of Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Yakima
• Free public use of the videophone station at DBSC’s Video Communication Center in DBSC Conference room.

Our public videophone station is open during DBSC business hours.

To make a CF appointment please contact Jackie Engler-Morris at jengler@seattledbsc.org or 206-323-5463 TTY.

What is VRS?
Video Relay Service is a service that provides ASL translation for a deaf-blind or Deaf person through the use of a videophone whereby a deaf individual using ASL calls a video relay operator who interprets between the caller and a voice user. Video calls on the use of video relay services provided by Sprint, MCI, Sorenson, HOVRS, Hamilton VRS, CSD VRS and other VRS providers.

What is a Communication Facilitator (CF)?
A CF is a skilled signer who “copies” any sign language from a caller on the screen of a videophone (VP) and provides visual information to Deaf-Blind (DB) person when he/she makes VRS and/or Face to Face calls. We provide DB person a brief training on how to use a CF prior to making any VP calls. In addition, if DB person is not familiar on how to make a VP call, DBSC provides an extensive training on how to use the VP at DBSC. This can benefit a DB person in many ways allowing them to freely expressing themselves in their own language and communicating directly without worrying about English as their second language.

When Deaf-Blind Service Center (DBSC) receive requests from DB persons needing a CF services they will set up and appointment at either DBSC or the Lighthouse for the Blind in Seattle. There will be one new location in Vancouver opening very soon.

If you are interested in becoming CF or would like to make an appointment with a CF, please contact Jackie Engler-Morris at jengler@seattledbsc.org or 206-323-5463 TTY.

If you would like to learn more about acquiring Video Communication equipment please visit www.sorenson.com.

For more background information of Communication Facilitators read about Hawk Relay.